5 Tips to Prep Your Homes Plumbing for Maximum Summer Fun

Summer is around the corner, and that means barbecues, graduation parties, Fourth of July fun and other outdoor gatherings are probably part of your seasonal plans. But before you finalize a summer calendar, you’ll want to ensure your plumbing system is equipped for increased use.

A plumbing problem while entertaining guests is an annoyance that will surely stifle your summer groove. So, the team at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, the nation’s trusted name for plumbing, heating and cooling repairs and maintenance, has provided some important plumbing maintenance tips. Handle them soon to better assure your summer satisfaction will be as enjoyable as intended.

1. Inspect your hose spigot, sprinkler and irrigation systems

Emerging from winter and holiday indoor parties, it’s easy to neglect the plumbing surrounding the outside of your home. But it’s actually a great place to start your plumbing maintenance and inspections. Damaged sprinkler heads will have to be replaced, as they’ll soon be depended on more heavily to keep your grass watered and your kids cool as they repeatedly splash through them for a weekend refresher. Underground sprinkler and irrigation lines should also be reviewed for leaks as well as your hose spigot too. While outside hose spigot leaks may be obvious to find yourself, a professional can lead you to ones that may occur on the interior of the wall, too.

2. Clean and unclog bathroom and kitchen drains, inspect fixtures

Kitchens and bathrooms are the most likely rooms for a plumbing emergency. You can start your review by removing all items beneath sinks to examine drain pipes and the bottom of faucets for leaks. Your cabinets may offer clues as well. Mildew, warped wood and old drip spots are signs of leaks from either drain pipes or fixtures. Fill sinks with water and monitor how quickly the drain functions. All clogs and leaks should be sorted out promptly by a professional, and you won’t want to fall back on liquid agents as a long-term treatment for clogs either.

“We strongly discourage homeowners from tackling drain problems with a liquid agent. They may address the clog, but they may also damage plastic or metal pipes,” said BJ Richardson of Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. “A professional can clean out all your drains, fix a bad one and bring peace of mind with a warranty.”

3. Don’t forget your sump pump

Summer brings mild weather but also heavy rain in some places of the country. Those rains might produce floods in basements if your sump pump is unprepared. A properly functioning unit minimizes the potential for mold and water damage that may appear even from minor soil seepage throughout the year. The pump has to be professionally inspected, debris cleared, the power cord reviewed, and most important, water added to the pit to watch how easily it responds. If it quits or responds slowly, it might have to be fixed.

4. Fix toilet leaks

Your water bill might be grateful for this project the most. A few quick inspections by a qualified service professional can save you water and help you prevent a costly repair. Toilets often leak near the flapper in the tank, which tends to break down over time. A specialist can also easily check other parts inside the tank and surrounding the whole toilet as well. The pieces inside the tank, in particular, are pretty budget friendly; so, if hoses or washers feel worn or the fill valve sounds slow, all these components can be swapped out by a professional quickly and cost-effectively. And remember, neglecting even the most minor toilet repair today will only lead to bigger, more expensive issues in the future.

5. It’s a good time to empty the water heater

Even though a water heater breakdown might not seem like it’s as bad in the summer as it could be in colder months, it’s a bother nonetheless. If you haven’t drained your water heater this year, you’ll want to handle it before the summertime fun starts and showers are in high demand by guests. Water heaters amass minerals and sediment at the tank’s base, which can result in corrosion and the need for a water heater repair or replacement. A qualified plumber can complete this simple task for you while also addressing other maintenance tasks.

“A lot of these inspections may seem like common sense, but they can easily go overlooked when our lives get busy,” Richardson added. “You can schedule a certified professional to inspect all of your plumbing systems today. That way you can confidently plan your summer fun without the worry of unexpected surprises.”

All set to arrange a Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing technician to help get your home ready for the highest level of summertime fun? You can also visit our website today to learn about our seasonal maintenance specials and repairs.

Disclaimer: Source: GET Creative, a division of USA TODAY